FIH Pro League: India continue dominance over Pakistan with hard-fought 4-3 victory
The Indian men’s hockey team continued its domination over Pakistan, edging the arch-rivals 4-3 in an FIH Pro League match at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London on Tuesday.Coming into the contest on the back of impressive wins over the Netherlands and Germany, India were the better si
By Arnab Lall Seal
The Indian men’s hockey team continued its domination over Pakistan, edging the arch-rivals 4-3 in an FIH Pro League match at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London on Tuesday.Coming into the contest on the back of impressive wins over the Netherlands and Germany, India were the better side for large parts and deserved the victory.
Yet, they were stunned early when Pakistan struck first in the eighth minute.
Ahmad Nadeem converted a penalty-corner variation that caught the Indian defence completely off guard.India responded in style.
Abhishek restored parity in the 22nd minute before Nilakanta Sharma put them ahead just two minutes later.
Sukhjeet Singh extended the lead in the 40th minute and Rajinder Singh made it 4-1 in the 52nd, seemingly putting the contest beyond Pakistan’s reach.Pakistan, however, refused to fade away.
Captain Abu Mahmood pulled one back a minute later from a penalty corner, squeezing the ball through goalkeeper Suraj Karkera’s legs.The match remained open till the final whistle.
India earned another penalty corner but failed to capitalise, while Pakistan made their chances count.
In the final minute, Moin Shakeel scored from a rebound after Pakistan won their eighth penalty corner of the evening, setting up a nervy finish.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
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